Best imaging software?

[MrMatt]

I reinstall Windows 7 Home every 6 months or so on my system partition just to keep everything neat & clean, along with formatting that partition. But I'm sick of having to reinstall every single F'ing program I use each time I do it, so I want to use reimaging software next time I get a fresh install. I understand W7 has some kind..but I don't think it's on the home edition. Other than Norton Ghost is there any other program I should take a look at?

 

[hclarkjr]

this is not imaging software but with it you can add your applications to the install DVD and they will install the first time you go to desktop once you are in windows. http://www.rt7lite.com/downloads.html i have used it and it works great, installed about 10 applications with it that way

 

[Gooberlx2]

I understand W7 has some kind..but I don't think it's on the home edition.

Yes, there should be an option to make a system image backup under the Windows Backup application. Not terribly useful if you have apps installed to other non-OS drives though.

Also look in to Clonezilla and/or Acronis.

 

[tweakboy]

Use the OS built in one. gl

 

[Cattykit]

VHD is your answer.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2035567&highlight=vhd

 

[Modelworks]

Macrium reflect. The paid version has more features but the free version will do what you want too. And unlike Acronis, who apparently is trying to become the next adobe of product quality, Macrium does what it is supposed to do and doesn't try to be a suite of apps.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

You can also open any backup in explorer and browse or copy files from it without doing a restore.
http://www.macrium.com/KB/KnowledgebaseArticle50061.aspx

 

[KeypoX]

this question comes up again and again. Unfortantaly there seems to be no clear cut winner. I have used a couple free solutions and they worked, but too complected.